~ New Swarovski Bicones 5328 ~

Anyone who has made anything with Swarovski crystals probably played with the 5301 bicone beads. They are basically the most basic beads and come in the most colors. You can weave them, wirewrap them in clusters, embed them in chains and more! I use a lot of bicones, for example...






Now, Swarovski is phasing out the 5301 for 5328s. Supposely, it has more facets so it's even sparklier. And the edges are rounder so it's more comfortable against the skin.
Here's 5301:

Here's 5328:

The 5328 does look less sharp around the middle. I like it. Now, I just wonder if I should stash away my 5301s for 20 years and then sell them as "vintage".

Some stores started to carry the 5328s this month! Just got an email from Artbeads. They have 20% off the 5328 6mm crystal ab beads. Supposedly it's only for their newsletter readers, but I am sure you can find it on their website. If not, let me know and I will forward you the email. They also carry these in violet and tanzanite, two very pretty colors.

How exciting! And I can't wait to see what new shapes and colors they have for the fall. I love Swarovski!